RES Handbook Vol 5 Part 5b. Coleoptera. Phalacridae

THE family Phalacridae comprises a considerable number of genera and species and is represented in almost all parts of the world. They are small (rarely exceedin g 5 mm.), compact, rounded, strongly convex and very shiny. The upper surface is apparently glabrous, though in fact many of the punctures contain a very small, appressed seta (Flach, 1 888). The lower surface and appendages bear numerous setae of various sizes . Adjacent to the suture are one or two well-marked striae (sutural striae) ; other striae, when present, are less well marked (except in Tolyphus) and do not extend to the apex of the elytra. Rows of punctures, of varying intensity, occur between the striae. The head and pronotum are finely and diffusely punctured. Microsculpture of various kinds is often present . All our species have large wings. Other characters are as follows : front coxae globular, hind coxae transverse and almost contiguous ; tarsi 5 - segmented, segments 2 and 3 emarginate, 4 very small; claws toothed at the base; antennae 11- segmented - segments 1 and 2 are large, and 9 - 11 form a narrow flattened club; mandibles bi- or tridentate, with a finely ridged molar surface near the base. The articulating region of the first antenna} segment is displaced from the base to near the middle of the segment, which lies in a cavity below t he margin of the head, in front of the eye.